EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PELLETED DATE PALM (ELAEIS QUINEENSIS JACQ.) LEAVES ON THE PERFORMANCE AND SOME BLOOD METABOLITES OF AWASSI FATTENING LAMBS
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Date
2023-09-20
Authors
Mohammad Hamza Mohammad Saleem
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Abstract
Abstract
The main objectives of this study were to measure the effect of feeding different levels of pelleted date palm leaves (PDPL) on the performance, digestibility and some blood metabolites of fattening Awassi lambs. A total of 24 Awassi lambs soon after weaning (2-4 month of age) were used in a 70-day fattening trial. Lambs were divided into 3 experimental groups and control group.
Lambs in the control group were fed a traditional corn-soybean meal fattening ration. This ration composed of 18% crude protein concentrate plus wheat straw. In the other 3 experimental groups, the pelleted date palm leaves (PDPL) were incorporated at three different levels (25%, 50 %and 75%) as part of wheat straw. Lambs were fed separately and monitored for body weight and feed intake at weekly basis. Feed conversion ratios were also monitored. At the termination of the fattening trial three lambs from each group were slaughtered for testing the carcass cuts and the visceral organ mass. The blood parameters were tested at termination of the feeding trial from 3 lambs of each treatment. Results of study showed that feeding pelleted DPL at different levels had no effect on lambs’ performance. Similarly, DPL had no effects on the feed conversion ratios, and blood metabolites. Visceral organs and carcass cuts were not affected by pelleted DPL.
Digestibility of nutrients were affected by pelleting. In general digestibility of crude protein (CP) decreased with pelleting level. Same trend was observed with fat digestibility. However, crude fiber digestibility increased with pelleting level. Digestibility of DM was decreased with a highly level of pelleted DPL. Feeding DPL had no harm effect on lambs; however, cost of fattening was reduced which can be considered as an advantage of incorporating its ingredient in fattening rations.
Keywords: Blood Parameters; Carcass Cuts; Digestibility; Feed Conversion Ratio; Feed Intake; Pelleted Date Palm Leaves.